Founded in 2010, HKCC is a POC-led network of movement builders and organizers. Together, we lead the way toward health equity in King County. We are leaders and provide expertise and tools to eliminate health disparities while honoring the wisdom and power of those who have been subject to race, class, or identity discrimination. We do this through leadership development for community members as well as project planning tools, policy creation, education, and advocacy for organizations serving community. We’re uniquely nimble and responsive to emerging opportunities, combining strong historical knowledge and cross-sector perspectives to achieve equitable policies and systems.

We are a coalition of over 40 members, from grassroots organizations and individuals to government agencies and foundations. Our diverse member-base drives coalition projects, policy-priority areas, and development of new tools through participation in focused work groups. While we operate a tiered system of member dues, we are sustained by a diversified mix of public and private funding from foundations, local government, and individual contributions.

Announcements

Family, Friends, and Community I am excited to announce that I have accepted the position as Coordinator for the Healthy King County Coalition. I am inspired by the coalition's commitment to health equity and I am committed to our vision of eliminating health disparities. Over the last several years the coalition has grown under the dynamic leadership of Val Thomas-Matson. I am thankful to have worked closely with Val and other members of HKCC leadership during the last couple of years which has given me the opportunity to gain an understanding of the coalition’s core values and community impact.

This is going to be an exciting year for the coalition. Our leadership is looking forward to sharing our vision for 2019 at our next quarterly meeting on April 18th, 9-11:30am at New Holly Gathering Hall, 7054 32nd Ave S, Seattle. I am enthusiastic about working with all of our partners and coalition members to make health equity a reality in Seattle, King County, and the state of Washington.

Warm Regards,

Ben Yisrael, Ph.D.

HKCC Coordinator

PolicyLink'sCounting a Diverse Nation: Disaggregating Data on Race and Ethnicity to Advance a Culture of Healthreport is now available. A multifaceted investigation that explores the leading issues and opportunities of racial/ethnic data disaggregation, and its implications for advancing health equity. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of racial and ethnic data disaggregation practices today, and concrete recommendations for improving research methods and promoting government policies that enhance and enable data disaggregation in the future.

2018 ADS Community Survey has been translated into more languages! The English version remains online. The survey is available to print in the following languages:

#MyWordsSpeak is a social media campaign aimed to reduce marijuana use by youth (ages 12-20) throughout Washington State. This pilot project is tailored to the African and African American community by utilizing culturally and linguistically appropriate communication messaging in an effort to organically educate teens about the impacts of using marijuana. Join CMHC in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!

Sweetened Beverage Tax Community Advisory Board, the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Meeting locations fluctuate, so check the tax webpage for details. All Board meetings are open to the public. The Sweetened Beverage Tax Community Advisory Board was established by the City Council (Ordinance 125324) to advise and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on programs and activities supported by the tax revenue. Services funded by the proceeds of the beverage tax are intended to expand access to healthy and affordable food, close the food security gap, promote healthy nutrition choices, reduce disparities in social, developmental, and education readiness and learning for children, assist high school graduates to enter college, and expand services for the birth-to-five population and their families.